Makkah Route Transforms Haj Travel For Malaysian Pilgrims

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 12 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the Makkah Route initiative is among the most significant changes in Malaysia’s haj management operations, transforming the travel landscape for Malaysian pilgrims to the Holy Land, according to a Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) official.

TH Maktab 63 operations manager Shahidan Taib said the facility not only speeds up pilgrims’ arrival process in Saudi Arabia but also reduces physical and emotional fatigue after long journeys.

Having served with TH for 29 years, he said that before the implementation of the Makkah Route, Malaysian pilgrims had to wait between five and six hours at airports in Jeddah or Madinah to complete immigration procedures.

“In the past, pilgrims disembarked from the plane and had to wait a long time for immigration checks. Some became exhausted due to the long journey and crowded conditions.

“Now, immigration procedures are completed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Upon arrival in Jeddah, pilgrims disembark and board buses immediately, and everything is completed within about 30 minutes,” he said here recently.

He said the change had significantly improved the smoothness of haj operations and enhanced pilgrims’ comfort, particularly for the elderly.

Shahidan, who has served in the Holy Land six times, said the transformation of haj operations today has also been driven by the use of digital systems that replaced several manual processes previously used.

“In the past, most matters were handled manually using registration books and handwritten reports. Now, everything is more systematic with digital systems that facilitate record-keeping and access to information.

“Technological advancements help TH personnel coordinate pilgrims’ movements more efficiently while also speeding up responses should any issues arise,” he said.

Shahidan said the Saudi Arabian government has also played an important role in ensuring smooth haj operations through stricter controls on pilgrims entering the Masyair areas.

He said measures to prevent individuals without haj visas from entering pilgrimage areas had helped reduce congestion and improve bus movement.

“One of the measures introduced is the ‘seal bus’ system, whereby buses are locked after pilgrims board to prevent unauthorised passengers from getting on.

“This ensures that only legitimate pilgrims are on board and that travel arrangements are more orderly,” he said.

Sharing his experience during previous haj seasons, Shahidan said haj transportation operations had once faced major challenges, including disruptions to the shuttle or Taradudiya system during the 2003 haj season, which caused disorganised pilgrim movements.

“At the time, personnel had to make ad hoc decisions, and the situation was indeed very challenging.

“However, continuous improvements by TH and the Saudi Arabian authorities have made haj operations today more systematic, organised and pilgrim-friendly,” he said.

-- BERNAMA